Who do Centers for Independent Living Serve?

Centers for Independent Living will continue to target persons with cognitive disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, psychiatric disabilities, strokes and students with disabilities. Persons with disabilities who are African-American, Latino, Native American, Pacific Islander, Asian-American, migrant farm workers and the homeless population are special target groups. In order to accommodate NJ’s demographic and ethnic diversity, each CIL will conduct outreach efforts focusing on the unique priority populations within their catchment areas. In order to reach specific populations each, CIL will do in-person presentations to community groups and civic organizations and will conduct mailing campaigns to these entities. Public access cable TV and radio may be used. Also CILs and SILC will collaborate with CBVI’s Project prevention which outreaches to all types of community and civic organizations.

Determination of an individual's eligibility for IL services under the SILS and CIL programs in a manner that meets the requirements of 34 CFR 364.51.

Eligibility determination is made via consideration of the following: Individuals are deemed eligible for Independent Living Services through CILS based on having a significant physical, mental, cognitive, or sensory disability.

These individuals ability to function within the family or community or whose ability to obtain, maintain, or advance in employment is substantially limited.

Provision of IL services to eligible individuals will improve the individual’s ability to function, continue functioning, or move towards functioning independently in the family, community, or gaining/sustaining employment. The Assurances that are included in the B center contracts indicate that services will support and promote choice, self-direction, and independent living in the lives of people with disabilities, with the right of the individual to full inclusion in the community. The DSU does a formal review to be sure that this is being done. The DSU also visits C centers and offers them technical assistance in this area if it is warranted.

Application of eligibility requirements without regard to age, color, creed, gender, national origin, race, religion, or type of significant disability of the individual applying for IL services.

All eligibility requirements are applied without regard to age, color, creed, gender, national origin, race, religion, or type of significant disability